My Weight Loss Journey {thus far}

At the time I found out I was pregnant with baby #1 I was 148lbs. I had somewhat of a difficult pregnancy that landed me on bed rest for most the the third trimester. Due to my lack of exercise and overeating it was no surprise that on the date I was admitted to the hospital to give birth to Kaydence I was a whopping 201lbs. A total weight gain of 53lbs, 18lbs over the recommended 35lb max.

38 Weeks Pregnant with Baby #2

10 Weeks Pregnant with Baby #1

At my 6 week postpartum appointment with Kaydence I was down to 188lbs. My weight loss from this point forward was much slower and a lot more difficult due to the nerve damaged in my left leg that occurred from my pregnancy. My leg was numb to pressure, extremely sensitive to pain, weak, and always throbbing after the tiniest amount of physical exertion. I did what I could to work out but my weight loss was slow going and at 10 months postpartum I was only down to 168lbs. Still 20lbs shy of my pre-pregnancy weight. It was at this same time that I found out I was pregnant with baby #2.

I started my 2nd pregnancy already 20lbs over my normal body weight. Then Between my now worsening nerve damage and therefore difficulty working out, plus my inability to resist my pregnancy cravings and keep the fork out of my mouth It was absolutely no surprise when I weighed in at 211lbs on Kameron's birth date.

13 Weeks Pregnant with Baby #2

39 Weeks Pregnant with Baby #2

At my 6 week postpartum appointment with Kameron I weighed in at 191lbs, and never had I felt so disgusted by my own body. I was 43lbs over my pre-pregnancy weight and absolutely determined to lose this weight, nerve damage and all.

Once given the green light to begin an exercise routine on March 1, 2012, I immediately began physical therapy where I spent 8 weeks learning to re-walk and manage the pain in my left leg that would forever accompany me. At this same time I decided to start running and registered for my first half marathon that would take place in June 2012. My running skills were pathetic to say the least. I could only manage to run for 3 minutes at a time with a 2 minute walk in-between for no more than 30 minutes a day. I was embarrassed and ashamed of what I had become but I knew that with time I could would get better. Just as I am starting to look at the bright side of things I begin to notice a deep burning pain right in the middle of my belly button. 2 ultrasounds, 1 doctor and 1 surgeon later it was confirmed that I had diastasis recti (a separation between the left and right side of the rectus abdomis muscle, which covers the front surface of the belly area) and 2 umbilical hernias (an outward bulging of the abdominal lining or part of the abdominal organs through the area around the belly button).It is now May and my total weight loss from March to this point is 3lbs bringing me to 188lbs.

All of my exercising had come to a halt. I underwent umbilical hernia surgery to repair the holes in my abdominal wall and was told that I would have a harder time loosing my "round" belly because of the diastasis recti which could take years to completely heal. I was advised to wait 6 weeks before I begin running again but because of my stubborn nature and eagerness to run the half marathon I registered for, I only waited 4 weeks before running again. And only 2 short weeks later I started and finished my first half marathon in 30 minutes less than what I anticipated. From July to November I continued my running getting better each day, and began eating healthy and counting my calories. I easily advanced my running from running in intervals to being able to run for 2+ consecutive hours without stopping; and in late November 2012 I started and finished my second half marathon almost 1 hour quicker than my first. My weight loss between July and November was great, and all in all I lost a total of 20lbs bringing me to a weight of 168lbs.

The holidays got the best of me and from December 2012 to February 2013 I pretty much stopped everything I had been doing. I would occasionally run or do a fun 5, 10 or 15k and had completely stopped counting my calories. For this whole 3 months time frame I lost not 1 single pound but I had not gained any either; maintaining a weight of 168lbs the entire time.

Last month I finally put an end to my laziness and decided to take charge of my weight loss again. I began working out a minimum of 5 days a week for at least 60 minutes a day. I have been rotating between outdoor running, the elliptical, walks (with and without the kids), and the Insanity DVD's. I park further away at the grocery stores, always take the stairs, and stay as active as I possibly can. I have changed my eating habits, and have began counting my calories again. And in just 30 days I have lost a total of 5lbs and 2ins from my waist; leaving me currently at 163lbs only 15lbs shy of my pre-baby weight. I feel healthier and I am excited for the results of my hard work.

February 2013 Workouts Completed

March 2013 Workouts Completed (so far)

Pic on Left February 20 ,2013...Pic on Right March 21, 2013
30 Days Difference

Pic on Left February 20 ,2013...Pic on Right March 21, 2013
30 Days Difference

Pic on Left February 20 ,2013...Pic on Right March 21, 2013
30 Days Difference

I still have a loooong way to go until I reach my goals. There are many times on my 7+ mile treks when I wish I could have just been one of the skinny witches who snapped back to 110lbs 3 weeks after delivery with no extra sweat shed. But I am now starting to realize that without having to work as hard as I am I might not know how strong or determined of a person I am. I think that this journey so far has opened my eyes to the possibilities of what I can accomplish with the right mindset and determination. Running has become a passion of mine and I love to do it! None of this has been easy for me but nothing worth having is. My leg aches miserably after each work out and some days it seems as though it is ready to quit only minutes into my exercise. But I put on my big girl undies, keep putting one foot in front of the other and soldier on. One thing I won't do again is quit, because I am so done with starting over!

2 comments:

Good job Sunie! Im so proud of you pushing towards your normal weight again. I know you won't give up because you are so devoted to reaching this goal. Im rooting for you all the way! I LOVE YOU!! :) ♥♥

About Me

Wife, Mama of two (with one on the way), American Sign Language Interpreter, Mommy Vlogger/Blogger, and owner of FulLoveIt Boutique. Raising my children humbly, loving them wholly, capturing every moment, and never taking for granted this life that is mine! If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart!